We have reviewed Disability Rights New York’s (DRNY) report, released April 21, related to our special education programs and services at Blue Creek Elementary School. The report confirms that North Colonie has taken multiple steps to resolve concerns first identified during the 2013-14 school year, and that our current policies and practices meet state and federal law and regulations.

This was the same conclusion reached by the New York State Education Department’s Office of Special Education in 2015 and 2016, after we fully implemented recommended changes to our policies, teacher training and internal record-keeping practices.

DRNY plays an important role in advocating for the needs of people with disabilities. This report provides suggestions for ways North Colonie can go above and beyond the requirements of state and federal law, and we will consider these ideas as we continue to evaluate ways to improve our programs for our students with disabilities and all of our students.